THAI BAR

After two failed attempts to find the Raintree Café, third time was a charm. I can’t say it was really my fault – it is down a side Soi. I probably should have seen the big blue sign hanging over the main street though.

Anyway, finally found it – and it’s great. In the 70’s, when Thailand was run by military dictatorship students rebelled musically creating a Thai folk-protest song fusing the Dylan tradition with Thai concepts and instruments. Basically protest songs that also proclaim how great it is to be Thai, even if the despots are in power. The movement was known as Phreng Phua Chiwit - ‘Songs For Life’. The bar is a carry over from that period, with SFL playing every night.

A good friend and I got there in time to see a 5 piece act playing. There bar’s fully wood lined, with any number of bullsheads hanging on the wall amongst other ‘memorabilia’ (ie junk). The place is dominated by Thai’s – drunk, smiling and enjoying the music – who’re not at all put-off, influenced or interested by a couple of Farangs hanging out in one of the booths. We rolled out at stumps, and I felt like I’d found a bar that I really fit into in Thailand.

Thai History from the 70’s: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Thailand_since_1973

Phreng Phua Chiwit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Thailand#Pleng_phua_cheewit